Airmen and F-16s from the 555th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, based out of Aviano AB, Italy, recently deployed to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. The 555th EFS is taking its turn in the “continuous rotational presence” of fighters at Bagram, according to a press release. They will replace the 79th EFS from Shaw AFB, S.C., which is ending a six-month deployment that saw a marked increase in US airstrikes in country. “Since its inception in 1942, the ‘Triple Nickel’ has been vital in multiple conflicts and will add to its proud combat heritage during this deployment,” said Lt. Col. David Seitz, 455th Expeditionary Operations Group deputy commander, according to the release. “They have provided combat capabilities from Bagram Airfield for years, and will continue to deliver decisive airpower once again during their time here.”
RTX, parent of Raytheon, Collins and Pratt & Whitney, is getting out of the space prime business and focusing on its "strengths" as a maker of space sensors, buses, and components, company COO Chris Calio said during an earnings call.